Japan visit will take ties to new level: Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday said his upcoming visit to Japan will take bilateral ties to a "new level".

Modi will visit Japan Aug 30-Sep 3. The trip was earlier scheduled to begin Aug 31.

"On Aug 30, I will begin my visit to Japan. I am keenly looking forward to the visit, which will boost relations between our two nations," Modi said in a statement Tuesday.

The prime minister said the visit will be his "first bilateral visit outside the subcontinent".

"I was to visit in early July but could not due to the parliament session. I see the Japan visit as an opportunity to take our ties with Japan to a new level and increase cooperation in various fields," Modi said.

"(I) am particularly excited to meet Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. I deeply respect his leadership and enjoy a warm relationship with him from previous meetings," he said.

The prime minister will visit Tokyo and Kyoto.

Modi said that during his visit he will interact with "all sections of Japanese society from students, political leaders to captains of industry".

"(I) have very warm memories of visiting Japan as a chief minister. The hospitality and the immense scope for cooperation left a deep impression on my mind," he said.

He said the "scale of innovation" and "level of precision" among the people of Japan is admirable.

"Both our nations can learn a lot from each other.

"Japan's friendship with India is time-tested. We are two vibrant democracies committed to advancing peace and prosperity in the world," he added.